Bush orders aid for storm areas

WASHINGTON — President George W. Bush has declared a major disaster in Missouri and ordered federal aid for areas recovering from severe storms, flooding and a tornado in September.

White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe says federal funding will be available to residents in the city of St. Louis and 15 counties: Boone, Callaway, Chariton, Lewis, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Osage, Schuyler, St. Charles, St. Louis, Stone, Taney, Texas and Webster.

The funding will include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other disaster recovery programs for both individuals and business owners.

In addition, some local and state governments and nonprofit organizations will receive funding on a cost-sharing basis to repair and replace buildings.